Summer Programs for Horse Lovers

If a saddle is the most comfortable seat you can think of, you probably wish horses could be a part of just about every aspect of your life. The bad news is, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to spend on your equestrian pursuits. But the good news is, there are loads of summer programs available where you can ride to your heart’s content and do something to boost your college applications.

From outdoor adventures in the mountainous wilds of Montana to pleasure riding on a bucolic New England horse farm, here are just a few of the many equestrian-focused summer programs where you can giddyup and go!

Alpengirl

Alpengirl is a summer program for teenage girls that’s offered in wilderness areas in the western United States, Hawaii, and Scandinavia. The program’s many adventurous activities include canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, and of course, horseback riding.

Black River Farm and Ranch Summer Horse Ranch

The summer program at Black River Farm and Ranch in Croswell, Michigan, features Western riding on a true dude ranch. Instructors teach all the basics of riding and horse care, as well as more advanced skills such as bareback riding.

Circle R Ranch

At the Circle R Ranch in Long Prairie, Minnesota, horseback riding is the summer’s program’s primary focus. The instructors provide basic instruction on horsemanship, and students can also enjoy trail rides and a horse show.

Faith Ranch High on Adventure Horse Camp

During the summer program at Faith Ranch in Jewett, Ohio, each camper gets his or her own horse to groom, saddle, and care for. Riding instruction is offered for riders of all skill levels, including advanced training for strong riders.

Jameson Ranch Camp

At Jameson Ranch Camp in Glenville, California, students learn how to take care of farm animals and can participate in a robust horsemanship program that includes Western and bareback riding, trail rides, and even cattle herding for more experienced riders.

Rawhide Ranch

Riding is a daily part of life in the summer program at Rawhide Ranch in Bonsall, California. Campers are also instructed in animal science and animal care and can participate in additional activities such as swimming, Western dancing, and creative writing.

Road’s End Farm Horsemanship Camp

At all-girls Road’s End Farm Horsemanship Camp in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, campers can enjoy a summer of noncompetitive pleasure riding on a 360-acre horse farm. The farm features three riding rings and 20 miles of bridle paths, and girls can also partake in other activities such as lake swimming and canoeing on the Connecticut River.

Camp Wahoo

Camp Wahoo (the name just sounds fun, right?) in Cle Ellum, Washington, is a wilderness horse camp where campers can enjoy daily riding and handling, overnight trail rights, and other adventurous outdoor activities.

Y O Ranch Adventure Camp

Y O Ranch Adventure Camp in Mountain Home, Texas, is a cowboy camp located on a 40,000-acre ranch. Campers learn many aspects of horsemanship, including grooming, saddling, roping, riding, and cattle work. Instructors also teach outdoor skills like archery, shotgunning, and conservation and wildlife management.

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About Stephanie Farah

Stephanie is a Writer and Senior Editor at Wintergreen Orchard House, where she manages the collection of data from schools in the Northeast and Midwest regions. Stephanie holds a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's in journalism from the University of North Texas. At various times she has been: an uncertain undergrad, a financial aid recipient, a transfer applicant, and a grad student with an assistantship and a full ride. Stephanie is an avid writer, traveler, cook, and dog owner. She looks forward to sharing her experiences with college-bound students and the counselors guiding them along the way!

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